100 Years of the Crowsnest Pass Orchestra

 The Crowsnest Community Orchestra is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year: 100 years of making music together. Founded in 1926, the orchestra has been a constant thread woven through the cultural life of the Crowsnest Pass, surviving wars, economic hardship, and changing times, yet always returning to the same purpose, bringing people together through music. Over the decades, the orchestra has grown alongside the community itself. What makes it truly special is the way it has been passed from one generation to the next. Parents have played beside their children, and grandparents have shared music stands with grandchildren. Playing in the orchestra has truly been a family affair. Many local families can trace their own history through the orchestra, creating a living archive of memories, friendships, and shared performances. Some of these generational families include the Schulzes, the Lonsburys, the Fabros, the Mosers, the Metzlers, and the Ancelets.  In the early 2000s, there were three generations of the Burgman family represented in the orchestra — Dr. Bob Burgman playing the double bass, Bob’s son Dick playing the bassoon, and Dick’s daughter Jenna playing in the percussion section. In 1992, three generations of the Amundsen family played simultaneously and were featured on the CBC TV special “On the Road Again”. Dr. Roy Amundsen played the double bass, his wife Cathy played the violin, their son Dr. Peter played the trumpet, granddaughter Susan played the violin, and grandson Craig played percussion. Later, Dr. Peter’s son David joined on trumpet.  The Crowsnest Community Orchestra has never been just about polished concerts; it has always been about getting together and sharing love of music. It has welcomed beginners and seasoned musicians alike, giving it the title of an amateur teaching orchestra.